Snail Venom

Who'd a thought a toxin that a certain sea snail uses to paralyze fish could virtually paralyze pain in humans.

That snail venom has been harnessed in a drug called Prialt, a drug that Dr. Johnny Qubty has recently introduced here in Lubbock for use in an implant so patients can manage their pain without fear of addiction.

Prialt is non-narcotic, so it's a good option for patients who can't tolerate treatments like morphine.

"They help people who have pain from MS or pain from diabetes with nerve damage in their feet and limbs. They use it in people who have had multiple surgeries and have persistent pain, people who have had cancer pain," said Dr. Johnny Qubty, a Pain Management Specialist.